Computer Systems Researcher (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Research)

Intelligence Careers; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

NSA is seeking computer science professionals to solve complex problems and research new solutions in AI/ML, data science, and high-performance computing. You will transform research ideas into running prototypes and contribute to mission-specific solutions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with academia and industry, presenting findings, and advancing national security through innovative technology within a diverse research environment.

Qualifications

• Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Computer Engineering (CE).
• Relevant experience in computer systems research, simulation/model development, software design or machine learning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work in a dynamic team environment.

Responsibilities

• Expand AI/ML research boundaries and develop prototype-grade systems.
• Collaborate with NSA teams and external partners; publish findings and transfer technology where appropriate.

Job description

Computer Systems Researcher (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Research) - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 11/1 to 14/10
Open: 2026-10-06, Close: 2026-10-14

Job Posting: 1263721

Responsibilities

NSA Research Scientists are actively expanding the boundaries of what can be accomplished with artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-machine teaming, software reverse engineering, data science, novel architectures, cyber security, high performance computing, and computational linguistics. Our experts generalize mission problems, advance the scientific state-of-the-art to solve problems, and work with other NSA organizations to get solutions in front of mission users and decision-makers.Our researchers also have the opportunity to collaborate regularly with the scientific community, academia, industry, and other government laboratories; publish papers on unclassified aspects of our work in scientific journals and at conferences; transfer NSA technology to the marketplace through open source software releases and public-private partnerships; serve as faculty members at local universities; and participate in university and K-12 STEM outreach activities across the country.The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate sound judgement, strong technical skills and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment, as well as independently. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and a proven track record of analyzing and solving technical problems with innovative solutions are also preferred. The candidate should have demonstrated success in conducting Computer Science research to include turning research ideas into running prototype-grade systems.

Job Summary

NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. If you want to develop technologies and tools and be a part of cutting edge innovations; join our team of experts! Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science professionals!Are you looking to apply your computer science and other technical expertise to develop technologies and tools and be a part of cutting edge innovations? Come join our team of experts! NSA is in search of Research Scientists and Senior Research Scientists to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to make the U.S. and its allies safer and more secure. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science professionals.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Computer Engineering (CE). Other STEM fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, or Information Systems (IS)) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: computer systems research, simulation/model development and prototyping, software design, programming, computational science, algorithm analysis and design, reverse engineering, designing/developing computer or information systems, including engineering hardware or software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, visualization, human-computer interaction, data science, or high performance computing.FULL PERFORMANCEEntry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.SENIOREntry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

Candidates with experience in cybersecurity, computer network defense, vulnerabilities and countermeasures, software development and debugging, network protocols, and those with expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) are strongly encouraged to apply.Relevant experience in content processing, content triage, and human centered AI involving multimodal data, to include: speech, image, video or text. Seeking applicants with experience in: machine learning model research, multilingual and multimodal modeling, automatic speech recognition (ASR), large language models (LLM), agentic AI, knowledge management, ontologies, AI security, explainable AI, human AI teaming, visualization, data science, human subject research and Sensemaking analytics. Current research focus areas include: Human Language Technology (HLT), Computer Vision (CV), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Natural Language Understanding (NLU), and Human Machine Teaming HMT).Candidates with proven ability to synchronize and fuse disparate data streams (audio, video, text, signals) into unified latent spaces for holistic sensemaking.Candidates with knowledge, skills and experience in high performance computing are also strongly encouraged to apply; in particular, processor and system architectures and networks, memory, tasking (accelerators, parallelism, resource management, heterogeneous computing), productivity (systems modeling & simulation, evaluation, prototyping and benchmarking), scalable algorithms, programming languages (Python, C++, Rust) and libraries, and hardware-software co-design.Candidates with experience in model alignment and tuning, such as, Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), Reinforcement Learning for Calibrated Decisions (RCLD), Direct Preference Optimization (DPO), and Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning (PEFT) strategies (e.g., LoRA, QLoRA).Candidates with knowledge and experience in future telecommunication networks (5G/6G), IoT security, device management, machine learning technologies, Linux or Windows programming and debugging, software design and development, virtualization/containers, Cloud, Trusted Computing, and other specialized computer platforms are strongly encouraged to apply.Desired Skills:Applicants should have excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and possess a range of knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas:- Programming (low level, high level, parallel)- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning- Foundation models (FMs) (Large Language Models (LLMs), as well as models for other modalities)- Simulation/model development and prototyping- Software engineering- Hardware engineering- Architectures and Distributed Computing- Algorithm analysis and design- Reverse engineering- Operating systems and/or device driver development (desktop/server/RTOS)- Cybersecurity/Computer Network Defense- Trustworthy systems- Computer and network security- Telecommunication systems

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.Salary Range: $105,262 - $192,764 (Full Performance, Senior)Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).DCIPS Trial Period:If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

DCIPS Disclaimer

VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERSPlease note that the following content contains important information about veterans' preferences and related processes. The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' PreferenceIn accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.Acceptable documentation includes:- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR- Certification of Service:A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.